Molecular characterization and antimicrobial resistance of potentially human-pathogenic Escherichia coli strains isolated from riding horses.
Authors: Reshadi Pouya, Heydari Fatemeh, Ghanbarpour Reza, Bagheri Mahboube, Jajarmi Maziar, Amiri Mohadese, Alizade Hesam, Badouei Mahdi Askari, Sahraei Shademan, Adib Nasrin
Journal: BMC veterinary research
Summary
# Editorial Summary Antimicrobial-resistant *Escherichia coli* poses a significant zoonotic risk, yet little is known about the prevalence and resistance profiles of potentially pathogenic strains in equine populations. Researchers in Iran screened faecal isolates from clinically healthy riding horses for genes associated with six major *E. coli* pathotypes alongside phenotypic and genotypic antimicrobial resistance patterns, then characterised the phylogenetic background of all isolates. The work identified diarrheagenic *E. coli* strains harbouring virulence genes in asymptomatic horses, with concerning patterns of resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics and multiple resistance profiles present across phylogroups. Given that riding horses may serve as silent reservoirs for zoonotic pathogens—and that close contact between handlers and horses is routine in equestrian settings—these findings highlight the importance of considering equine *E. coli* as a potential human health threat through cross-transmission. Practitioners should be aware that apparently healthy horses can shed pathogenic, antimicrobial-resistant strains, reinforcing the need for robust biosecurity, hygiene protocols during handling, and judicious antibiotic stewardship in equine medicine.
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Practical Takeaways
- •Healthy riding horses are asymptomatic reservoirs for antimicrobial-resistant E. coli; implement biosecurity and hygiene protocols when handling horses and equipment to reduce zoonotic transmission risk
- •E. coli isolated from horses shows resistance to commonly prescribed antibiotics, informing treatment decisions if equine E. coli infections are suspected
- •Consider horses as a potential source of resistant pathogens when evaluating human infections in people with horse contact, and discuss infection control with horse owners and veterinarians
Key Findings
- •Riding horses carried potentially human-pathogenic E. coli strains with diarrheagenic virulence genes
- •Genotypic and phenotypic antimicrobial resistance was detected against commonly used antibiotics in isolated strains
- •Phylogenetic analysis characterized the zoonotic potential and resistance profiles of E. coli isolates from healthy horses